Father Ian Williams and the St. Joseph Catholic Church parish strive to be a warm and welcoming parish. But Father Ian found it necessary to usher one little stinker out Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017.

While preparing for the 6:45 a.m. Mass, Father Ian had just exited the sacristy and was heading to the back of the church. Carrying the communion water and wine, he happened to look at the side door and noticed the unwanted guest, sporting the same black and white colors as Father, entering the church. He said a parishioner had come through the handicapped-accessed door, which was in the process of slowly closing, “when in waddled a skunk.”

Father Ian Williams

“I thought I’d never be dealing with a skunk in church,” Father Ian said. Is that included in his job description? “I think it falls under the ‘anything and everything else happens’ clause.”

Growing up in rural Porter County, Father Ian had experience in shooing skunks from the family’s chicken coops, but this is the first — “and hopefully last” — time that he will have to herd a skunk out of church.

Once it entered the main part of the church (perhaps seeking some bread and wine?), the skunk made its way up the side aisle before disappearing under the pews and kneelers. “We had people pulling their feet up onto the pews or rapidly scooching out of the pews as it made its way towards the back of the church. Then it turned around and made its way towards the front of the church again,” Father Ian said.

About two dozen people were in the church at the time. “Considering the circumstances, everyone remained calm. They acted admirably,” he noted. “There were some folks who had it go past them before they knew what was happening … having it walk right past their feet as they sat in the pew. I was saying, ‘just stay calm, there’s just a skunk walking by you — that’s all.’”

Father Ian and others managed to get the skunk nearly out the original door in which it came, but something outside spooked it and it returned into the church and waddled back to the main entrance. An alert parishioner closed the inner doors, trapping the skunk in the main entryway. At that point Father Ian gently clapped his hands to try to herd the skunk through a door he propped open. It was then that the striped critter nearly unleashed its dreaded scent of fury.

“We almost had a close call. It was heading out the door when some people started blissfully heading in the door and I saw its tail going up. I started urgently telling the folks to get back, there’s a skunk, get back,” he said. The people then backed up, and “the skunk chilled out and didn’t spray.” It wandered around the entrance area a little more and he was able to herd it out the door.

“It felt like a couple of lifetimes,” Father Ian joked. “The Roman Empire fell and rose a couple of times while it was happening, but in reality it went 3-5 minutes.”

It’s ironic that one of his favorite hymns is “All Creatures of Our God and King.” And one line within the hymn fortunately didn’t come true: “Thou rushing wind that art so strong.”

Father Ian, as well as parishioners, were grateful the skunk left without leaving a calling card. “I was totally convinced at some point, when it was in the middle of the church, something would startle it and it was going to let loose. If it would have sprayed inside the church, I know I wouldn’t have been able to have Mass in there yesterday,” he said.

The pastor noted that St. Francis is his confirmation saint. Maybe his chosen saint helped get the skunk out. Or, “I don’t know how much Francis was into playing jokes, but that could be another possibility.”

Father Ian acknowledged that he has had dogs that have been sprayed, but he has never been. And he wants to keep that track record intact. “Amen.”

]]>http://whatsnewlaporte.com/2017/12/04/pepe-le-pew-the-reality-show-skunk-seeks-a-seat-at-st-joes/feed/1Public invited to Christmas cantata Dec. 10http://whatsnewlaporte.com/2017/11/19/public-invited-to-christmas-cantata-dec-10/
http://whatsnewlaporte.com/2017/11/19/public-invited-to-christmas-cantata-dec-10/#respondSun, 19 Nov 2017 21:23:04 +0000http://whatsnewlaporte.com/?p=83311The St. John’s Jubilee Ensemble and friends invite the public to attend “The Silence and the Sound” by Heather Sorenson, a stirring choral cantata celebrating the entrance of our Savior, the Word made Flesh, into our midst, Light overcoming all darkness. The cantata will take place Sunday, Dec. 10, at 3 p.m. at the Salvation Army Chapel, 3240 Monroe St., LaPorte.

Attendance is free. Refreshments will be served during a fellowship time after the concert.

Martin Luther, a Roman Catholic priest and professor, launched a movement of reform in the Church, never intending to divide the Church but to reform it.

Here is information on some of the local congregations’ events:

Fish fry Oct. 27

In honor of the progress that has been made, the Bethany congregation has invited the Catholic Church members of LaPorte to join them for a Fish and Friars event on Friday, Oct. 27, at Bethany, 102 G St. The members of Bethany wanted to host a fun fellowship event, and Pastor Dennis Meyer reached out to Father Ian Williams to celebrate their ability to serve together in their community.

Service of celebration Oct. 29

Bethany will host a special service of celebration on Sunday, Oct. 29, at 10:45 a.m. with the Bethany Sanctuary Choir, The North American Brass Company with Charles Steck, Michael Scheck, William Browne, Gary Cooper, and Roger Lewis, Fran Milo and Mary Fridh (interim choir directors), and Cheryl Essling, Music Director and Organist. The public is invited to this 500th Anniversary Celebration.

Choral Evensong Nov. 5

A service of Choral Evensong will take place Sunday, Nov. 5, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1000 Michigan Ave., from 5 to 6 p.m., held by St. Paul’s, Bethany and the LaPorte Catholic Churches. The service will begin at 5 p.m., following an organ recital at 4:40 p.m. by St. Paul Director of Music Trevis Young. The service will be sung in the English Cathedral tradition by an octet from the University of Notre Dame and Father Ian Williams will offer a homily drawing on the themes of Christian unity and ecumenism. The public is invited to attend.

— Saturday, Oct. 21: Trunk or Treat, 4-6 p.m. EST. Bring the kids for this fun and safe treat-gathering event in the parking lot, then go inside church for games and food. Sloppy joes, hot dogs, chips, cupcakes and cookies. For more information, contact Sandy Raabe at 574-654-7442 or ncumchurch@gmail.com.

— Saturday, Oct. 28: Fall Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST. Craft vendors, bake sale and lunch. A police officer will be there to take kids’ fingerprints.

The one-day response from our community to the effort by LaPorte New Church in September for its Hurricane Relief Fundraiser was outstanding. The New Church donated 100% of its Sunflower Fair rummage sale proceeds to help the victims of the Texas and Florida hurricanes.

The clothing, books, housewares, toys, and collectibles which mostly sold for a few dollars or less brought $1,400 to this relief effort. After careful research, the New Church chose to give to UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, which gives 100% of its donations to disaster relief. This is possible because one Sunday each year a special offering is taken from its nationwide United Methodist churches to cover all of the overhead costs of UMCOR’s relief efforts.

Grateful thanks to:

— many for donations of quality items to the church for its Sunflower Fair sidewalk and Manna House rummage sale

— the members and friends of LaPorte New Church for countless volunteer hours before, during and after the sale

— the hundreds of shoppers who helped make this charity effort a success, many of whom said “keep the change” for this event

— those who continue to keep these victims in prayerful hearts for their safety, relief, and healing and/or who offer donations on their own

Sunday worship and children’s Sunday School are at 10 a.m. at LaPorte New Church, a progressive-minded Christian community. All are invited into worship, charity and usefulness in the Lord’s holy name.

For more information, contact Pastor Kit Billings, at revkit123@gmail.com or 219-380-4682.

Grieving after a loved one has died can be incredibly difficult, but with the caring support of others in a safe and confidential setting, one can move through grief into recovery.

Healing Through Grief is a new community support group for adults to find compassion and healing as they work their way through the deep hurt and sadness from losing a loved one. The monthly grief support group will meet every third Wednesday at Manna House, 905 Maple Ave., LaPorte, across from the library. As participation grows, it can evolve to meet more often.

The first support meeting will be Oct. 18,from 6:30-8 p.m. Reservations are not needed.

Every person is welcome, no matter their experience. Know that tears are also welcome since they can help heal broken hearts.

For more information, feel free to call, text or email Pastor Kit Billings of LaPorte New Church at 219-380-4682 or revkit123@gmail.com.

Please share this information with anyone who may benefit.

Information from Manna House

Grieving after a loved one has died can be incredibly difficult, but with the caring support of others in a safe and confidential setting, one can move through grief into recovery.

Healing Through Grief is a new community support group for adults to find compassion and healing as they work their way through the deep hurt and sadness from losing a loved one. The monthly grief support group will meet every third Wednesday at Manna House, 905 Maple Ave., LaPorte, across from the library. As participation grows, it can evolve to meet more often.

The first support meeting will be Oct. 18,from 6:30-8 p.m. Reservations are not needed.

Every person is welcome, no matter their experience. Know that tears are also welcome since they can help heal broken hearts.

For more information, feel free to call, text or email Pastor Kit Billings of LaPorte New Church at 219-380-4682 or revkit123@gmail.com.

Please share this information with anyone who may benefit.

]]>http://whatsnewlaporte.com/2017/10/12/healing-through-grief-support-group-begins-oct-18/feed/0Updated version of church’s history book will be available soonhttp://whatsnewlaporte.com/2017/09/28/updated-version-of-churchs-history-book-will-be-available-soon/
http://whatsnewlaporte.com/2017/09/28/updated-version-of-churchs-history-book-will-be-available-soon/#respondThu, 28 Sep 2017 21:12:34 +0000http://whatsnewlaporte.com/?p=82212In conjunction with the 150th celebration of St. Mary the Immaculate Conception Parish in Michigan City, parish historian and author Patricia Gruse Harris has updated its parish history book.

The book will be of interest to not only current parishioners but to former members, many of whom have moved away or are members of other parishes; to those who attended St. Mary’s grade and/or high school; those interested in history, and as great Christmas gifts.

To reserve your copy of the history of the oldest Catholic parish in Michigan City, send your prepaid order of $15 each to St. Mary’s Parish, 411 W. 11th St., Michigan City, IN 46360. To have the book mailed, add $4 per copy.

Prepaid orders will be available for pickup at the anniversary dinner on Sunday, Nov. 5, at the Senior Center, Washington Park, Michigan City, or at the rectory after Nov. 5 on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Additional books will be available on a first-come basis after Nov. 5.

Ralph Howes and Bill Wampler at the dedication of the playground area.

The playground.

Photos and information by Bob Wellinski

(Click photos to enlarge)

First United Methodist Church of LaPorte dedicated three special sites Sunday, July 31, 2017, one honoring two longtime members. Launched in the spring, the projects are all focused toward children.

The highlight of the day was the dedication and ribbon cutting of a new playground on

Pam Wampler

the church’s east side, along Monroe Street. The playground is dedicated to longtime Crichfield Elementary School Principal Ralph Howes and longtime teacher, the late Pam Wampler, who passed away in May. Because of their love of children, Ralph and Bill Wampler, Pam’s husband, each gave a generous donation toward the playground, matching funds raised by the church.

The playground project was orchestrated by Doug Latham and Matthew Brown and was completed through the efforts of the congregation, fundraisers, donations and sweat equity.

Mr. Howes at the ceremony.

The other projects:

A room was refurbished from top to bottom to create a new nursery. Matthew and Ashley Brown, Kaelynn and Matt Deckard, Andrew and Jenn Kmitta, and Rip Ludlow spent many hours working on the room.

And a new youth room and adjoining game room were also officially opened. The youth room includes a worship area, refreshment area and meeting area. Colorful chairs for the refreshment area were made by the former pastor from pallets. A 6-foot-wide section of a 19-inch-thick concrete wall was cut out to connect the youth room and game room.

Youth Director Jennifer Casper said the success of the new rooms was the result of generous donations and hard work from the congregation. During her speech, she thanked the many people who made the project successful. Casper invited youth from the community to join them in enjoying the new rooms.

Vacation Bible school will be in full swing again this year with a new theme at The Presbyterian Church of LaPorte. Each early evening from 6 to 8 Sunday, July 16, through Thursday, July 20, children will explore ancient Rome through games, crafts, music and more.

Following the apostle Paul and the faithful of his time through the life of the early Christian church “will be a lot of fun,” said Aaron Lickliter, Coordinator of Ministries for Children and Youth.

Activities will include the busy marketplace where children will learn to make the popular bread, build aqueducts, enjoy chariot races, and learn Roman numerals using an abacus. They’ll do all this wearing togas and wreaths they make themselves, in the style of the Olympic wreath. There’ll be brick-making again this year: “I hear they were a big hit last year,” said Lickliter, who began his position in January.

The theme of ancient Christians’ underground church is designed to grow children’s faith and heighten their awareness of the freedom of religion America enjoys, Lickliter said. “They’ll have opportunities to meet members of the underground church and learn what it was like then, with Roman soldiers on patrol looking for Christians. Christianity was illegal, so it was secret, and kids will see what it was like to a believer in the early church.

“We hope the kids will come away with a sense of excitement and understand how significant it is to have a faith in Jesus. I love this curriculum because we in the United States have it pretty easy when it comes to issues of faith. People aren’t coming after us to put us in jail simply because of what we believe in.”

Children who are young in the church can discover their belief in the loving Jesus Christ, said Lickliter.

As always the lessons are offered with fun, beginning and ending with music, led by Rev. Dr. Sally Wicks and accompanied by the church’s Worship Band.

Church members are in costume and enjoy it as much as the children do, said Lickliter. “There’s been a tremendous amount of help and encouragement from our member volunteers, and even more, a sense of goodwill. There’s an understanding it’s for the kids who are connected to our church, who are connected, or not, to other churches in the community, and kids who’ve heard about our vacation Bible school. Members here have a heart for this work, doing what they can to help the kids grow in the faith, be safe, hear the Gospel, and have fun.”

The church is at 307 Kingsbury Ave. (U.S. 35 and Kingsbury). Pre-registration is ongoing and is encouraged. Parents may register at the church or online at www.yourhomechurch.org (follow the links). Children can also be registered at the church beginning at 5 p.m. Sunday, July 16. Any questions, call the church, 362-6219. Mondays through Thursdays.

]]>http://whatsnewlaporte.com/2017/07/10/fun-music-crafts-at-presbyterian-churchs-vacation-bible-school/feed/0Sacred Heart Rummage Sale is June 15-17http://whatsnewlaporte.com/2017/06/01/sacred-heart-rummage-sale-is-june-15-17/
http://whatsnewlaporte.com/2017/06/01/sacred-heart-rummage-sale-is-june-15-17/#respondThu, 01 Jun 2017 21:10:23 +0000http://whatsnewlaporte.com/?p=79600Sacred Heart Church, LaPorte, will hold its annual rummage sale on June 16 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and June 17 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the old church building, corner of Bach and Pulaski streets. A June 15 sneak preview sale will take place June 15 from 4 to 8 p.m. (Admission to the sneak preview will require a $5 admission fee.)